TikTok might soon provide users with Google Search results
TikTok is currently testing a new feature that integrates Google Search results into its in-app search functionality. This test, discovered by app researcher Radu Oncescu, displays a small box in the middle of TikTok’s search page, encouraging users to search for the same terms on Google. This integration with Google Search is among several third-party features that TikTok is experimenting with in select markets. Notably, TikTok has recently explored the incorporation of Wikipedia entries directly into its search results, signaling its ambition to evolve into a comprehensive online platform rather than merely a hub for viral content. While this feature is currently in the testing phase, it’s intriguing for several reasons. For instance, it reflects a shift observed by a Google executive in the past year, where younger users who once relied on Google are now turning to TikTok and Instagram for their internet searches.

YouTube debuts a new app, YouTube Create, for editing videos
YouTube has unveiled a new app, YouTube Create, tailored for content creators. This app offers a user-friendly suite of free tools aimed at simplifying the creation of both Shorts and longer videos. The primary focus is on addressing challenges that creators commonly encounter during the editing process and when utilizing creative elements like stickers, GIFs, and effects. 
YouTube collaborated with 3,000 creators to develop the app, incorporating their valuable feedback into the design. Creators using the tool can seamlessly integrate their clips and access a wide range of editing features, including the ability to preview splits and trim clips as they assemble their videos. Additionally, the app provides a diverse collection of thousands of stickers, GIFs, and effects for creators to enhance their content.

Even Airbnb properties are now receiving a verification checkmark
Airbnb is taking steps to combat the proliferation of fake listings by implementing a verification process for all properties in its top five markets: the U.S., Canada, Australia, the U.K., and France. To tackle this issue, the company is requiring hosts to provide additional information, including photos with GPS data, in an effort to confirm the authenticity of their listings.
The verification process will kick off in the first group of countries later this year, with plans to extend the program to 30 other countries by the following autumn. Brian Chesky, Airbnb’s CEO, announced that verified symbols will start appearing alongside listings beginning in February.
This initiative aims to address the problem of fraudulent listings, which often involve nonexistent properties, false information, or properties not actually owned by the listed host. Scammers frequently utilize legitimate property photos or listings to deceive users into making payments.

Salesforce has announced its acquisition of Airkit.ai
Salesforce has revealed its intentions to acquire Airkit.ai, a low-code platform designed to assist e-commerce companies in developing AI-driven customer service agents. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
Airkit, headquartered in Redwood City, California, was founded in 2017 by Adam Evans and Stephen Ehikian, who had previously sold their big data startup, RelateIQ, to Salesforce for $390 million in 2014. Originally, Airkit operated as a self-serve customer engagement platform, enabling businesses to integrate data silos and address various use cases, including user onboarding. However, the company recently relaunched as Airkit.ai and introduced its first pre-built integrated product, a GPT-4-based platform. This platform enables companies such as OpenTable and ShipBob to create specialized customer service chatbots capable of handling inquiries related to order status, refunds, product information, and more.
Airkit.ai’s connection with Salesforce extends beyond the founders’ previous startup, as they launched their new venture in 2020 with $28 million in funding from investors, including Accel and Salesforce Ventures. Salesforce Ventures continued to invest in subsequent funding rounds, resulting in Airkit.ai securing a total of $68 million in funding over its six-year history. Additionally, Airkit.ai became part of Salesforce’s enterprise cloud marketplace, AppExchange, last year.

Apple has rolled out the iOS 17.0.1 update just a day ahead of the launch of the iPhone 15
Apple has swiftly released iOS 17.0.1 to the general public, arriving less than a week after the release of iOS 17 and just a day before the unveiling of the iPhone 15. The urgency behind this release lies in addressing three critical security vulnerabilities that could potentially be actively exploited.
The update addresses one vulnerability within WebKit, the engine powering Safari and other third-party browsers on iOS. This vulnerability has the potential to trigger arbitrary code execution, which means that a malicious party could compromise your data or exploit your device for unauthorized purposes, as noted by IT services company Okta.
Another vulnerability exists in the iOS kernel, which forms the core of your iPhone’s operating system. Apple has identified this security issue as having the potential to grant an attacker elevated privileges, allowing them to access more of your iPhone’s code. The third security concern involves the potential for an attacker to bypass signature validation. Given the severity of these security issues, Apple strongly recommends that all users download and install the update promptly to safeguard their devices and data.